Eagle, Steller's Sea

Haliaeetus pelagicus

The largest eagle in the world.

Immense adult size with black plumage, white shoulders and wedge-shaped tail. Orange/yellow, very deep and arched bill that is its distinguishing feature. Immature eagles are not as brightly colored. An adult can have up to 8 foot wing span and weigh 20 pounds.

Classification

Located in...

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Range: Coastal regions of northwestern China and Siberia, along Kamchalia peninsula and the Japanese islands

Habitat: Along coastal and forested river valleys where fish are plentiful

Lifespan: Variable, not much data available, but a mature eagle may live more than 20 years

Diet

Wild Diet: Principally fish, but will take ducks and other small mammals

Zoo Diet: Fish, rabbit, horse meat

Spends most of its day perched until prey is spotted. Handles seasonal changes with behavior alteration.

Builds large nests of sticks in tall trees which it uses for up to 10 years. Mating is done in March by "calling" each other over the breeding area. Mating often takes place on the nest. After the female lays the eggs, both sexes feed the chicks.

Gestation: Roughly a 40-day egg incubation period and then 70 days to chick fledgling

Litter: Clutch size: 1 to 3 eggs

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

The total population of theses eagles was most recently estimated at 7,500 birds - they are considered rare. The remoteness of their habitat keeps them somewhat protected from humans.